Golf tip: Making the most out of a day on the course with your junior golfer
No matter how much time a junior golfer spends hitting balls on the range, nothing compares to a day spent on the course. Taking that one step further: nothing compares to a day spent on the course with mom or dad (or both!). For parents, this offers a chance to see how your child's game has developed as a result of swing lessons and practice sessions.
I have put together a list of rules that will help you make the most of your day spent on the course with your junior golfer. Following these steps will ensure an enjoyable day from start to finish.
Step 1: Book a tee time later in the day when the course is not crowded. That way there will be less time pressure on you and you should be able to enjoy the time playing.
Step 2: Have your child watch some of the USGA videos on playing the game and read some of the literature provided by golf courses about playing so that they are not intimidated.
Step 3: Let the child play. You should help them with set up and posture errors but, leave them alone to swing the club. Most kids are remarkably adaptable and will figure out how to turn a whiff into a hit.
Step 4: Keep adequate supplies of water and small snacks on hand so that junior does not get too thirsty or hungry.
Step 5: Walk so that everyone gets some exercise, and only play nine holes so that no one gets too tired.
Step 6: Stop for a treat on the way home so that the day ends on a special note. I still remember how my dad would treat me to a soda and a bag of chips in the golf club when we were done playing together, and that's what made it so fun for me.
Any time you can spend on the course with your son or daughter will be time well spent. Be sure to help them out along the way, taking the opportunity to teach them course etiquette and the rules of golf. Follow these rules and you are sure to have a fun, memorable day on the course.
• Ian Grant is a PGA teaching pro and former member of the teaching faculty of the PGA of America. He teaches at Oak Brook Golf Club during the summer and McQ's Golf Dome in Bolingbrook in the winter. Contact him at Iansgolf@aol.com.